Rahim Jaffer, MP announces University of Alberta Canada Research Chairs

May 24, 2006

EDMONTON- Good morning ladies and gentlemen.

On behalf of the Prime Minister, the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canada Research Chairs Program, Maxime Bernier, as well as the entire Edmonton Caucus, it is my sincere pleasure to congratulate the recipients of the Canada Research Chairs.

Through hard work, dedication and excellence, Dr. Alidad Amirfazli and Dr. Jason Dyck have each been awarded $500,000 from the Canada Research Chair initiative.

Their research will advance knowledge in engineering and the health sciences, and will most certainly contribute to the well being of all Canadians.

Le support des chaires de recherches du Canada va aidé a avancer la connaissance scientifique et va certainement contribuer a un meilleur futur dans lequel la recherche canadienne va jouer un rôle centrale.     

While it’s a privilege to be able to stand before you today to recognize and support this important research, I don’t mind telling you that you’ll need to ask the real experts if you’d like to know more about surface engineering, or molecular biology.

But you don’t need to be a distinguished researcher to recognize that the future of Canada’s economic well being and the health of all Canadians depend on the important work of researchers like Dr. Amirfazli and Dr. Dyck.

With their contributions, Canada will continue to be recognized as a country of innovation and knowledge. 

The investment we are making today will make a difference in the lives of all Canadians tomorrow.

It is through advancements in science and technology that we will continue to grow and prosper.

L’investissements annoncé ici aujourd’hui va changer et améliorer notre avenir. C’est avec les avancements scientifiques que nous allons garantir une économie dynamique pour demain.

The benefits of this research will reach all Canadians.  Real wealth and real innovation come from people like Dr. Amirfazli and Dr. Dyck.

As politicians, we try to make wise decisions and to recognize potential when there’s an opportunity to support work that will ultimately benefit Canadians.

But make no mistake, it is our best and brightest that keep the money flowing to our governments—and I’m pleased that our Government in Ottawa recognizes this and will encourage more success with the Canada Research Chair program.

Our researchers have made Edmonton proud, Alberta proud, and indeed Canada proud.

They are our future, and I wish them all the best in the upcoming years of study and research.  

Thank you.